5 Signs of a Rogue Contractor

Unfortunately, there are a lot of rogue traders out there, giving the legitimate sole traders and businesses a bad name. There are a number of warning signs that you can look out for, so we have come up with a small list of 5 signs of a rogue contractor.

If you think that you are ever in business with a rogue or cowboy tradesmen, you should look to step away from their services as soon as possible. Try not to make it obvious if you are aware of their illegal activities as it may come back to haunt you in the future. You should look to gather as much evidence as possible without startling them and inform the correct authorities immediately.

Poor Communication

Illegal or rogue traders will usually demonstrate little or no communication skills whatsoever. Before every commercial project, you will find that any legitimate company will provide an open channel for communication, helping you make decisions, explain certain practices and even offer advice.

If a trader is looking to grab your money and run, they will find it difficult to maintain this basic skill. Even if they do manage to start a project, they should be keeping you informed with the progress through-out. You should not be chasing them for progress reports at all.

Lack of Knowledge

Even the most inexperienced legitimate contractors will have an understanding of what needs to be completed with a task or project. However, a rogue trader will usually have a limited or non-existent understanding of the skills they require to complete a job. Before the work commences, question what will be done, and how they intend on doing it.

If a lot of the explanations seem unsafe or if you are convinced that the contractor isn’t confident in what they need to do, look to pull the work from them. It could save you a lot of money.

Extremely Low Estimates

Naturally as a site, facilities or building manager, whenever you outsource commercial maintenance, you will want to get the best price possible. However, be warned, if the price is too good to be true, it usually is.

Compare your quotations with each other and if one seems considerably lower than the rest, check their references and company background, but chances are, they are a rogue contactor.

Little or No References

If your preferred contractor is unable to produce a reference or their previous customers have refused, this could be an early sign that they are a rogue trader.

However, do not get a new starter confused with a rogue trader. Someone that is new to the industry will naturally have a limited number of testimonials and referrals.

Asks for Payment Upfront

If you are ever asked for payment upfront – avoid them. Thank them for their time and kindly ask them to move on. This is a scam.

A legitimate curtain wall coating company will never ask you for money before work is completed. Most of the time you will be asked for a deposit, with the balance being settled on completion.